Last week, we had the pleasure to host our Seccuri Session webinar with NICE, in which cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals gathered for key insights into building successful careers in cybersecurity from scratch, from our guest speaker, Marian Merritt, Deputy Director of NICE at NIST.

At Seccuri, we're committed to help enthusiasts and professionals like you, in every step of their cybersecurity career journey! If you’re interested in receiving exclusive invitations to all of our Seccuri Session webinars with top cybersecurity leaders, register today as a Talent user at Seccuri! These sessions provide invaluable opportunities to learn from industry experts and discover the strategies for achieving success in cybersecurity careers.

Back to our blog post. For those of you who weren’t able to make it to the webinar, here are the session’s key insights, offering valuable guidance for those interested in pursuing or advancing their careers in cybersecurity.

Understanding the NIST NICE Framework

During our webinar, we had the pleasure of having Marian talk to us about the importance of the NIST NICE Framework to help you define your winning career strategy. According to the NIST NICE website, “The Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity, commonly referred to as the NICE Framework, is a nationally focused resource to help employers develop their cybersecurity workforce. It establishes a common lexicon that describes cybersecurity work and workers regardless of where or for whom the work is performed. The NICE Framework applies across public, private, and academic sectors.” Developed collaboratively with input from stakeholders, this framework ensures consistency in describing roles and career pathways within the industry.

The framework is comprised of three different components:

• Categories (7) – A high-level grouping of common cybersecurity functions
• Specialty Areas (33) – Distinct areas of cybersecurity work
• Work Roles (52) – The most detailed groupings of cybersecurity work comprised of specific knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to perform tasks in a Work Role

By providing a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity roles and skill requirements, the NICE Framework serves as a valuable resource for professionals and enthusiasts alike!

Using the NICE Framework on the Seccuri Platform

At Seccuri, the Global Cybersecurity Skills and Talent Platform, we have integrated the NIST NICE Framework to assist our Talent users (both enthusiasts and professionals) in defining their ideal cybersecurity career paths, thank to our AI smart matching algorithm. By aligning with the framework, Seccuri helps individuals identify their skills and knowledge gaps, access relevant training and certification resources, and explore job opportunities that match their current profiles.

Whether you're just starting out in cybersecurity or looking to advance in your career journey, Seccuri provides the tools and support you need to succeed. Feel free to register here!

Key Insights from Marian Merritt, Deputy Director of NICE ant NIST

During our webinar, Marian Merritt, Deputy Director of NICE at NIST, shared valuable insights into the evolving nature of cybersecurity roles and the importance of continuous skill development. She emphasized on the significance of standardized language provided by the NICE Framework in job descriptions and career progression, emphasizing its role in ensuring clarity and consistency in the industry.

Entry-level professionals often face challenges in gaining practical experience and standing out in a competitive market. Marian offered key strategies for surpassing this obstacle such as participating in competitions, volunteering, and pursuing certifications to become competitive cybersecurity professionals and gain valuable skills.

According to Marian, by actively seeking opportunities to learn and grow, entry-level professionals can position themselves for success in the cybersecurity field.

In addition to technical expertise, power skills such as communication, problem-solving, and curiosity are essential for success in cybersecurity. Merritt emphasized the importance of effective communication in conveying cybersecurity concepts to non-technical stakeholders within organizations. By developing these power skills, both professionals and enthusiasts can enhance their effectiveness as cybersecurity team players and make meaningful contributions to their organizations.

Using Your Cyber Skills in Different Industries

Cybersecurity skills are becoming increasingly relevant across many industries, from manufacturing to agriculture and construction. Employers are encouraged to integrate cybersecurity practices into their operations and seek guidance on engaging cyber skills in diverse job roles. By recognizing the importance of cybersecurity in today's context, organizations can protect even more their assets and mitigate risks.

If you would like to attend our upcoming Seccuri Session webinars and take the next step in your cybersecurity career journey, we invite you to register in Seccuri as a Talent user  here to leverage key resources such as the NIST NICE Framework to identify your career path to succeed in the cybersecurity, gain the required knowledge to close skills gaps, and make a meaningful impact in the industry!

Watch the webinar recording here.

More on Seccuri: www.seccuri.com

More on the NIST NICE Framework: https://niccs.cisa.gov/workforce-development/nice-framework